We all know flying is uncomfortable and can make your feet swell. It’s nice to take a load off and get your tootsies out. But being on a plane is being in public, and public is dirty.
As Ebonie Vincent, podiatrist and star of the TLC series “My Feet Are Killing Me,” told us, walking barefoot through public places like airport security and on airplane carpet can expose travelers to fungus, bacteria and viruses that can cause infections or warts.
If it doesn’t gross you out to be barefoot on a plane, remember it will likely gross out the people around you. Do them a favor and at least don socks for the occasion, and keep your feet away from their armrest.
And for the love of god, do not go barefoot to the lavatory.
Read More: Flying etiquette: Reclining, sleeping, boarding, eating and more